Bicycle tourism is thriving: more and more amateur cyclists turn their hobby into a true passion and travel on two wheels along international routes, occasionally even taking part in bike orienteering events. Safe, comfortable, well-developed bike routes have many advantages: they encourage even those who only cycle a few times a year to engage in physical activity and are perfectly suited to family bike tours. There is no need to mention the benefits that come from riding a bike – if you are reading this, you likely know all the pros of pedaling 😊
Bike routes not just for hardcore bikers
The Polish network of cycling trails includes routes for both beginners and seasoned cyclists. They enjoy growing popularity for several reasons: cycling around the city involves riding on roads with heavy traffic or on bike paths which sometimes end abruptly in the most unexpected places. By contrast, riding a well-planned route through natural surroundings saves you the stress and frustration with the fact that you are breathing in exhaust fumes rather than fresh air 😉
People often associate bike trails with rugged and challenging terrain that requires top quality cycling equipment and lots of stamina. But while mountain bike trails may have their own set of rules, the routes in the vicinity of Warsaw, for example in the Kampinos Forest or the primeval forest of the Białowieża National Park, mostly lead through flat and undemanding terrain.
At first, it is best to choose the popular, well-signposted and well-maintained Green Velo and Blue Velo trails. Green Velo is a route comprising more than 2000 km of cycling trails and connecting 5 voivodeships in Eastern Poland (warmińsko-mazurskie, podlaskie, lubelskie, podkarpackie and świętokrzyskie). Blue Velo, on the other hand, is the so-called Odra Cycling Trail which covers approximately 1,000 km and will eventually connect 5 voivodeships in Western and Southern Poland. Each section of the trail is a lot of fun for the body and soul. And there is more.
Discover the best routes to ride your bike and enjoy scenic views and memorable experiences.
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The Hel Peninsula Cycling Route – Pomerania
Once wild and surprising with its shape, now tamed and welcoming for cyclists – the Hel Peninsula. The trail is approximately 36 km long and will take you from Hel to Władysławowo. The route partly follows gravel roads in the woods, which makes the ride even more attractive. On the other hand, its most representative section leads along a seaside promenade on the Gdańsk Bay. This section connects with the international EuroVelo 10 route – an exceptionally charming bike route along the entire Polish stretch of the Baltic Sea coast, which was built as part of the Pomeranian Cycling Route project.
We recommend taking this bike route off-season: heavy traffic in high season makes it quite congested.
On your way, you can enjoy stunning views, have a look at the remains of old bunkers and fortifications, stay in the luxurious resort Jurata or the party-town Chałupy, and take your kids to see the seal sanctuary.
For whom: For everyone.
Vistula Cycling Route – Lesser Poland, Silesia
The Vistula Cycling Route is known to all cyclists – it is the longest planned route that will connect the source of the Vistula River with the Baltic Sea. Meant to be 1,200 km long, it is being built section by section. Luckily, parts of it are already passable and open for cycling enthusiasts. The trail mainly follows asphalt bike paths and general purpose roads with little motor traffic.
At the moment, cyclists can use its two sections in śląskie, małopolskie and kujawsko-pomorskie voivodships. The Vistula Cycling Route is well signposted, with plenty of dedicated stops where cyclists can make minor repairs, hide from the storm and rest.
In Lesser Poland, the Vistula Cycling Route starts in Jawiszowice and ends in Szczucin. During the ride, you can appreciate the natural beauty of the valleys from a safe and mostly easily passable road that follows riverside embankments, see the picturesque ponds in Brzeszcze, and visit the old town and museum in Oświęcim, the Benedictine Abbey in Tyniec, and Kraków. This route section is 232 km long – we recommend that you keep track of information about road closures and detours.
A bike trip along the Vistula Cycling Route in kujawsko-pomorskie voivodship is a great opportunity to stay in Bydgoszcz or stroll around Toruń, Włocławek or Chełmno – each of them a popular tourist destination. From autumn 2022, cyclists who pick this route can also enjoy the natural beauty of the Sobieszewo Island.
For whom: For everyone.
Eagle Nest Cycling Trail – Silesia
This nearly 186 km long bike route is just perfect for history and wildlife enthusiasts. Designed with tourists in mind, it features the pearls of the region, including ruined castles nestled among the hills and the rocks of the Kraków-Częstochowa Upland. The cycling route connects two voivodeships: śląskie and małopolskie. The route itself may not be perfect, but the “Eagles’ Nests” are stunning any way you look at them.
If you are planning a family bike trip, you should take into account the sandy nature of the terrain and the strenuous uphill climbs. The best choice is to take the route around Mirów, Bobolice and the surrounding area – it is recommended by seasoned cyclists because it offers a trade-off between magnificent views, riding comfort and demands on your body.
This 23 km long route marked as a red bike trail mainly follows gravel roads, but 1.5 km into the trail, on a hill in the center of Bobolice, there is an asphalt road for anyone longing for a smooth ride. In Młyny, you need to switch from the red trail to the green one, and head to Mount Zborów. The return is not too challenging thanks to the black bike trail to Mount Włodowska. From there, you need to pedal to Mirów.
For whom: For intermediate and experienced cyclists.
Green Velo Cycling Trail – Eastern Poland
It is almost 1,900 km long and gives you an opportunity to go through 5 national parks and 16 landscape parks, explore old Jewish towns, and visit the historical castle in Łańcut on your way.
The Green Velo East Cycling Trail is a scenic route that will take you across river valleys along asphalt roads and forest paths. It is a great choice for both beginners and more experienced cyclists. The trail is divided into shorter themed sections with travel times that include sightseeing, such as the bike route with the promising name “To the bison in the Borki Primeval Forest,” which is marked as an advanced, more than 70 km long trail and estimated to take 8 hours to complete.
Highlights of this epic route include:
• Castle of the Teutonic Order in Węgorzewo,
• Borki Nature Reserve near Wolisko,
• Devil’s Rock near Wolisko,
• Sluice gate and bunker in Przerwanki,
• Former SS Field Command Post in Pozezdrze.
For whom: For intermediate and experienced cyclists.
Cycling Route – Roztocze
This 45 km long route designed by route markers from the PTTK (Polish Tourist Association) branch in Zamość meanders through a chain of picturesque villages with such exotic names as Szur, Wioska, Róża or Ciotusza Nowa. You get to pass through some spectacular parts of the Roztocze National Park, and visit Zwierzyniec, Krasnobród and the vicinity of Susiec. We recommend going first to Obrocz and St. Roch’s Nature Reserve, and then pedaling to Krasnobród to experience the unique atmosphere of the region.
For whom: For intermediate cyclists, beginners and kids.
Rospuda Valley Cycling Trail – Podlasie
The Rospuda River Valley is situated in the Augustów Primeval Forest in the Podlasie region. Riding along this almost 50 km long route, you will breathe the cleanest air in Poland, listen to the silence and feel the peace condensed on your skin as dew.
You should start in Augustów and head to the ruined palace of the noble Pac family in Dowspuda. The first stage of the trip ends in Raczki. After a stop at Lake Jałowe, you should go towards Lake Rospuda. The route offers spectacular views and makes you feel like you have wandered into a postcard.
For whom: For intermediate cyclists, beginners and kids.
Dunajec Velo Cycling Trail – Tatra Mountains, Beskids, Pieniny Mountains
Dunajec Velo is the go-to route for bike lovers who have put themselves to the test on many a trail. A challenge for seasoned and intermediate cyclists, it is a 237 km long route with a very diverse surface, including dirt roads, forest paths and remote wilderness. It allows you to appreciate the glorious scenery and offers unique experiences.
The picturesque trail, regarded by enthusiasts of bicycle tourism as the most beautiful bike trail in Poland, runs along the Beskids, the Pieniny and the Tatra Mountains, that is through the most spectacular parts of the Dunajec River Valley. During the exhausting ride, you might want to stop in the Galician Town in Nowy Sącz, see the Church of St. Michael in Dębno and visit the legendary Nidzica Castle.
For whom: For intermediate and experienced cyclists.
Czorsztyn Velo Cycling Trail – Lesser Poland
If you fancy a smooth ride and a mountainous landscape at the same time, choose the Czorsztyn Velo Cycling Trail which takes 1 day to complete. It is one of the most accessible, passable as well as most beautiful cycling routes in Lesser Poland. It is only about 30 kilometers long, which makes it a real treat for families cycling with children.
For whom: For beginners, intermediate cyclists, and kids.